An SL Series Wire EDM machine was launched at the event. The SL Series features four models in two specification levels SL-G and SL-Q. The SL600G Wire EDM was displayed during the event. This machine is a rigid linear motor driven EDM that is coupled with glass scales on the X, Y, U and V axes, ensuring the highest possible precision and positioning accuracy. The rigid linear motors have the optimum flat design and come with a 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee.

Among the many new enhancements on the SL Series is the new Sodick Control SPW (Smart Pulse Wire), which uses the Windows 7 operating system and functions similar to a tablet. The operation screen can switch between the traditional Sodick screen and the new tablet style screen to suite the operators preference.

Additionally, a new Smart Pulse Generator reduces the number of cuts and time it takes to achieve the target surface finish. Resulting in up to a 40-percent time savings compared to previous models.

The new TT1-400A was also introduced at this event. Although the TT1-400A concept was first shown at IMTS 2012, the latest version of the machine was highlighted during this event, and is now available to the U.S. market. The TT1-400A is a high speed electrode machining center designed for precision graphite and copper electrode machining; it uses a 40,000-rpm high toque high speed HSK-E25 spindle.

The TT1-400A has an X, Y, Z travel of 15.75” x 9.84” x 11.81” (400 x 250 x 300 mm). The TT1-400A was developed based on the advanced core technologies incorporated in the company’s successful HS Series. The TT1-400A, which is built in Japan, shares the same ultra precision motion control and linear motor drive platform. It also includes a number of standard features, such as; Heidenhain glass scales, Blum laser tool measurement, an integrated Torit graphite dust collector, air purged dust protection, oil mist system with mist collector and integrated part probe.

Visitors viewed live machining demonstrations and received tours of the facility. The event also featured presentations from various vendors, including; Erowa System Solutions, Hirschmann Engineering, Hitachi Metals, Esprit CAD/CAM Software, Delcam CAD/CAM Software and Poco Graphite.